Nolo is the nation's leading provider of do-it-yourself legal solutions for consumers and small businesses. This section covers copyright, patent, and arts law.

Twenty-five tips on how to approach the record deal.

Learn about the ins and outs of a publishing deal.

Explains the basics of music law, contracts and performance related legal issues. Lots of great articles.

Thorough article with definitions of terms, expectations, and industry norms. Helpful for those about to receive a contract, or who need to interpret an existing one.

An assignment like the sale of a house and a license like a rental. If you are negotiating a deal for your art, you may have to decipher the proposed agreement to determine whether you are being asked to license or assign your work.

In a band? Ready to hit the big time? Make sure to have an internal band agreement/contract like this one in place.

Detailed outline of a personal manager contract, with links to various subsections.

Overview of  intellectual property concepts that affect the performing arts (such as directors' rights), and discuss when they conflict with the rights or goals of actors, dramaturges, and playwrights, composers,  choreographers, performers.

Negotiation guide for personal management agreements between musicians and managers. Points to key provisions in management contracts.